Toyoace Model PK20
(1959)
As the 1960s rolled in and customer requirements became more
diversified and sophisticated, Toyota, as a general automaker, also developed
and introduced a range of trucks, from small to large.
In March 1959, Toyota redesigned the Toyoace truck. The new
Toyoace (SK20) adopted an innovative style while retaining traces of the
previous model.
For the chassis, Toyota reduced the number of front leaf
springs and adopted a simple shock absorber to improve riding comfort.
Furthermore, the P engine, which had been in development for some time, was
installed in October of the same year to create the Toyoace PK20.
In May 1959, the cab-behind-engine-type Toyopet truck was
nicknamed the Stout, while the cab-over type was nicknamed the Dyna.
Subsequently, the Stout was redesigned into the RK45 in July 1960 and the Dyna
was redesigned into the RK170 in March 1963, in both cases strengthening the
chassis and improving comfort. Then in October 1963, Toyota also launched the
Lite Stout (RK40) with a narrower wheelbase than the Stout.
Model FA100 (1959)
In September 1964, Toyota redesigned its large-size trucks.
The new trucks (FA100 and DA100) possessed dynamic styling in both exterior
appearance and interior features suitable for the highway era, as well as
further improved performance.
Due to transportation mode diversification and worsening
traffic situations in cities, the demand for trucks subsequently began to shift
to compact models with good maneuverability. Furthermore, as the passenger car
share of the car market increased, customers began to desire a passenger
car-like feel even in commercial trucks used mainly for transport.
Hiace Model PH10
(1967)
In October 1967, Toyota launched the cab-over commercial
vehicle, the Hiace. The Hiace (PH10) featured comfort and maneuverability
levels similar to those of a passenger car and was offered in a wide variety of
versions suitable to various purposes. Based on a delivery van platform, it was
available in such forms as a 1-ton truck, a nine-seater version, and the
Commuter 12-passenger and 15-passenger buses.
Toyota then launched the new Miniace (UP100 cab-over type),
a small 500-kilogram truck, in November of the same year and the new Liteace
(KM10 cab-over type) in November 1970.
As a model positioned between the Hiace and Miniace, the
Liteace squarely met the market requirements, and its stable quality allowed
its sales volume to increase steadily. The assembly of the Liteace was
subcontracted to Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. and Daihatsu Motor and also went
smoothly.
Hiace Model RN10
(1968)
In March 1968, Toyota launched the Hilux (RN10). To enhance
the 1-ton cab-behind-engine-type truck, Toyota combined the Lite Stout with the
Briska, and subcontracted vehicle assembly to Hino Motors. Equipped with the 2R
engine (1,500 cc), the Hilux offered numerous passenger car-like features,
including innovative styling, the use of curved glass for the first time in a small
truck, and a large comfortable cabin space. Toyota also put effort into
exporting the Hilux, and in 1969 installed the 3R engine (1,900 cc) in a model
meant for the U.S. market. The export volume steadily increased, helped by the
Hilux's excellent performance, high quality, convenient size, and affordable
price.
Dyna Model RU10
(1969)
In February 1969, Toyota redesigned the 2-ton, cab-over
Dyna. For the new Dyna models (RU10 and JU10), Toyota adopted completely new
styling, enhanced the braking performance in line with the needs of driving in
the highway era, and moved the front tires forward to improve ease of ingress
and egress as well as comfort.
Toyota also improved the Toyota Light Bus, a popular vehicle
in the Dyna series, and launched it as the Toyota Coaster (RU18 and JU18).
Furthermore, in June of the same year, Toyota launched the 3-ton Dyna equipped
with the H diesel engine.
In September 1969, Toyota launched the new 4-ton Massy Dyna
(QC10). In designing the Massy Dyna, Hino Motors handled the engine, clutch,
and transmission, Toyota Auto Body handled the cabin and rear deck, and Toyota
handled the frame.
Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
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